Eight days after the shooting death of 17-year-old Yanuel Viloria, BPD Homicide Detectives have identified and apprehended the individuals responsible for his death. After an extensive investigation, officers arrested Robert Silva-Prentice, 19, of Boston and Malik Phillips, 18, of Waltham and charged both with Murder. Both are scheduled to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on Monday, May 1, 2017.

Said Commissioner William Evans, “An arrest like this most certainly underscores the dedication and devotion of my officers and their ongoing commitment to making our city the safest city it can be. No doubt, these arrests make our city a safer place and it’s my sincere hope that news of these arrests will bring with them some level of comfort and solace to the family of Yanuel Viloria.”

At about 8:53 PM on Friday, April 21, 2017, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a call for a person shot in the area of 180 Ruggles Street in Roxbury. On arrival, officers located a male in his later teens suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, suffering from life threatening injuries, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Boston Police Department continues to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.